Five to Seven years imprisonment for carrying plastic bag !

Rajasthan government has enacted law , effective from 1st August 2010 under there is blanket ban on use of all plastic carry bags in the state .The stricter law is already enforced in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.

As per the environment policy, anybody found using a plastic bag could face up to five to seven years imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh .

The ban has been brought keeping in mind the ill-effects of plastic as these bags cause damage to health, hygiene and environment. They lead to severe sanitation problems and block sewerage and drainage lines, often being the main reason for their overflow.

It is reported in media that from environment department sources that the enforcement would not be strict for the first month and those found using plastic bags would be left after a warning and the government will liberally allow manufacturers, importers and shopkeepers to finish their stocks.

The state government has also launched a drive to promote alternatives to plastic carry bags. Cotton and jute bags along with recycled paper bags will now be used and promoted instead of plastic made bags. To promote these, state government has already withdrawn VAT over cotton and jute.